The Health Benefits Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a result of natural metabolic processes in the body or from external sources like environmental toxins, pollution, radiation and/or medications. When there is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals it puts the body into a state of “oxidative stress”, which can lead to unchecked inflammation, cell damage and increased risk of disease.
Here are some of the other health benefits of including lots of antioxidants in your diet…
Reduce cellular damage: by neutralising free radicals they help to reduce the risk of chronic disease and even slow down the ageing process!
Enhances immune function: antioxidants help the immune system to function optimally, making you less susceptible to illness and infections.
Protect skin health: antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E are vital for skin health by supporting collagen production and protecting against damage caused by UV radiation and other environmental factors.
Support Heart Health: some antioxidants can have beneficial effects on certain markers of cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel function and improve cholesterol levels.
Protect eye health: many antioxidants help to protect your vision and reduce the risk of conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Reduce cancer risk: by preventing cellular damage and reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants can help lower the risk of certain types of cancers.
How to include more antioxidants in your diet
Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, particularly brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, as well as some beverages and other plant foods. Here are a few major food sources of antioxidants to include in your daily diet..
Berries
Dark leafy greens
Green tea
Dark chocolate
Nuts & Seeds
Tomatoes
Citrus fruits
Sweet potato
The old adage “eat the rainbow” is your guiding principle when it comes to upping the antioxidant content of your diet and getting the most health benefits!
